Asserts that although no instrument has proved sufficiently robust to recommend universal screening, screening instruments for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can play an important role. Discusses the clinical issues raised in screening for a developmental disorder, including risk status, management advice, and availability of services. Asserts…

Outlines problems faced by parents and caregivers of a child with encopresis. Differentiates between knowledge, skill, and volition issues when dealing with the encoprectic child; and suggests possible causal frameworks for the behavior. Concludes with suggestions for managing the teaching/learning situation arising from this behavior. (Author/KB)

Examines the evidence base for autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) intervention, distinguishing between experimental work identifying a treatment effect and research establishing ecological validity. Asserts that research should address which program components are helpful for which children and families in which contexts. Draws on current…

Analyzes the key components of the Precision Teaching technique: pinpointing (identifying learning channels and defining correct and incorrect responses), counting behavior in real time, and charting the pace of learning. Includes a case study describing the Precision Teaching of receptive object identification with a 3-year-old with autistic…

Examines some factors contributing to the success of art as a therapeutic tool with children with autism and considers some reasons why art is not more in evidence in schools. Considers benefits of art therapy and the role of art education as part of the British National Curriculum. Outlines the skills that experienced teachers of children with…

Describes the types of children with autism that would benefit from visual teaching strategies. Discusses the benefits and disadvantages of some of the more well-known programs that use visual teaching strategies, including movement-based systems relying on sign language, and materials-based systems such as Treatment and Education of Autistic and…

Interviewed young adults with Asperger Syndrome and their parents to examine the experience of growing up with the syndrome. Found that many were excluded educationally or socially, and although they "looked and talked normally," they never seemed to "fit in." Findings suggest need for greater knowledge of Asperger Syndrome among preschool…

Surveyed staff in 38 Belfast preschools of various types regarding supports available for children with autistic spectrum disorder. Found that many had experience with children with autistic spectrum disorders and receive some advice and support from a range of professionals. Nearly all were committed to enrolling these children but felt that…

Provides background information on the existing educational practices in early childhood education in Hong Kong, highlights issues that require attention in order to improve quality, and outlines reforms introduced by the Hong Kong Education Commission. Discusses the implications of these reforms and the associated challenges in the areas of…

This study investigated perceptions of teaching and learning among Hong Kong kindergarten teachers. Findings indicated that traditional instruction emphasizing planning, preparation, and external judgment, was perceived as an important indicator for good teaching. Teachers tended to focus on their own actions as teachers rather than their pupils'…

This study investigated dimensions in the mentoring relationships that foster or impede the mentoring process between four kindergarten principals and four student teachers in Hong Kong. Findings support the view that relationship building is critical in the mentoring process. Dimensions that may sustain an effective mentoring relationship appear…

This qualitative study examined the job satisfaction of early childhood teachers in Hong Kong: one group of kindergarten teachers and their principal experiencing a top-down curriculum implementation, and a second group of student teachers implementing a bottom-up kindergarten art curriculum. Findings revealed the need for pedagogical skills and…

This study examined some of the affective outcomes for teacher educators and student teachers resulting from the use of semantic webbing/mapping as a strategy for facilitating reflective and critical thinking skills in a kindergarten teacher education program in Hong Kong. Interviews of a random sample of participants and an analysis of their…

Explores the meanings of early childhood education and depicts the general background of early childhood practices in Hong Kong. Examines curriculum issues in kindergarten illustrated by stories about the teaching of an inservice kindergarten teacher in Hong Kong. Analyzes recent reform proposals for the Hong Kong education system, using the four…

Examined perspectives of Hong Kong parents, primary school teachers, and children regarding transition to primary schools either with an attached preschool or serving neighborhood preschools. Found that "settling in" difficulties were overcome after 1 or 2 months. Nearly all children preferred the primary school by the mid-October interview. By…